Three Year Rule (The Rule Series Book 1) (3 page)

Joshua couldn’t help but smile at her response. It was all fluff and girl. He calmly said, “If you don’t agree to keep this gun I will throw you over my shoulder, right here and now, and take you and Charlie home with me.”

His ornery smile sent a chill through her, but also made her heart race faster. She refused to back down. She was not afraid. Frowning at him in silence, she searched his eyes. There was no anger there, only concern. He was sincerely worried about her and Charlie. Maybe she should listen to him.

“Charlie seems to like you.” She said softly. “You have a way with animals.”

Joshua bit the inside of his mouth, trying to stop from laughing. Her pouty frown was almost too much for him. She had no idea at that moment he would have agreed to patrol her property all night, if she would only kiss him.

Joshua’s hard smile softened, and he said, “I’ve got a dog too. He’s older; I take him hunting with me.”

Elizabeth took the gun from his hands and sat it on top of the case. She stared down at it and asked, “What kind of dog?”

Joshua tilted his head and stared at her. She was beautiful. Even a plain t-shirt couldn’t hide her large breasts and small waist. He said, “He’s a Malamute and wolf mix.  My dad’s girl malamute ran off. Dad wasn’t a bit surprised to find the pups were half wolf.  I got my pick of the litter.”

“What is his name?” She turned and met his gaze.

“Kilo,” He answered softly. He wanted to kiss her so badl
y
.

Elizabeth laughed and asked, “Kilo, really? What are you, a drug dealer?”

“Like you’re any better? Charlie? You have a female. You think she’s going to protect you?  The first time she sees a bear in the woods, she’s going to pee herself then hightail it out of there with her tail between her legs.” Joshua was no longer amused.

“Oh Yeah?” Elizabeth felt stupid the instant those words left her lips.

It was Joshua’s turn to laugh, “Well, you better hope so because the first time Charlie tries to play butt sniff with a bear or mountain lion, it’s going to rip her head off and have her for dinner.”

Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide in shock. She said, “Are there real mountain lions around here?”

Joshua sighed and reached out to take her hand. “A few, and bears, that’s why you need to keep Charlie inside, especially at night.  It doesn’t have to be a problem if you are careful and keep your garbage can locked in the garage.”

She gazed into his eyes and found herself fighting the urge to ask him to stay the night again. She hesitated and asked, “Why haven’t you said anything about last night?”

His face softened, “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t usually get involved with my clients. This is new territory for me. I don’t want things to be awkward.”

She smiled and moved closer, leaning against him. “There isn’t anything to worry about. We are consenting adults and honestly, I have no expectations. But if it will make you feel better, why don’t we agree to take this one day at a time, with no commitment required?”

He stared at her in amazement and said, “I’m not the kind of guy that dates several women at a time, and I don’t want to be in a relationship with a woman who dates other men.”

She leaned against him and explained, “That’s not what I meant. What I’m proposing is an exclusive relationship between us that has no expectations beyond the immediate future. Therefore, there is no pressure to plan any further than our next date.  If either of us finds ourselves attracted to someone else, we end the relationship with no hard feelings and go our separate ways.”

Joshua slipped his arms around her waist. She kissed his cheek and moved to nibble on his earlobe. He asked, “How can I say no to that?”

He cupped her chin and raised her face to his. He kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with fervor. His hands wandered down the hollow of her back pressing her against him as his urgency grew. His lips trailed down her throat to her breasts, eliciting a moan pleasure. He unbuttoned her blouse with one hand while still holding her against him. Then lifted her into his arms and carried her to the sofa. They fell onto the sofa as one.

                                                                      ************                                                                     

Amy opened the bedroom curtains flooding the room with the soft glow of the morning light. Elizabeth rolled over and squinted at her through sleepy eyes. Amy smiled brightly and said, “Joshua said to tell you he had to get to the site early this morning as they are building the access bridge over the creek today, and that it’s a simple build that won’t affect the environmental study.” She walked to the door and added over her shoulder, “He’s
so
hot! He’s inspired me to write a book called,
How to Date a Hot Construction Worker
!”

Amy’s laughter followed her into the hallway.

Elizabeth called after her, “He’s not a construction worker, and he owns the company.”

“Even better.” came Amy’s distant reply. “How to Date a Hot Construction Magnate.”

Elizabeth laughed and climbed out of bed. She took a quick shower and dressed in her favorite jeans with a pale yellow blouse. She pulled her damp hair back into a ponytail as she headed down the stairs. Amy was slicing a banana into two bowls of yogurt for breakfast. Elizabeth popped a bagel in the toaster and sat down at the breakfast bar next to Amy.  Sprinkling the fruit and yogurt mixture with granola, Amy handed Elizabeth a bowl.

She flashed Elizabeth a wicked grin and said, “I scooped up your clothes and tossed them in the laundry room.”

Meeting her gaze, Elizabeth said, “Thanks, and quit acting so weird.”

Amy laughed, “I can’t remember the last time you had a man stay over. When Franklin asked me out last year, I was shocked the two of you weren’t an item. From what I know of the very few men you’ve been involved with, none of them has ever been like Joshua. They’ve all been smooth and classy like Franklin. You always go for the CEO or neurosurgeon type. You always go for the type A personality. That’s not Joshua. He’s down to earth, personable, and probably a lot of fun.”

Staring at her bowl for a moment before she looked up at Amy, Elizabeth said, “Don’t let him fool you, he’s got some type A deep inside, but you’re right.  He’s not what I usually go for. Don’t let the macho exterior fool you though. He’s intelligent, witty, and from what I can tell, a good businessman.”

“Not to mention, sexy.”  Amy said with a giggle.

Elizabeth smiled and added, “Yes, incredibly sexy.” She paused to look at Amy with a raised eyebrow. “You dated Franklin?”

“Not really,” Amy rolled her eyes, “One date was enough.  He’s too intense for me.” Amy flipped her long golden hair back off her shoulders and finished her breakfast. She rinsed out her bowl and turned from the sink to ask, “So what’s the plan?”

Elizabeth glanced around and asked, “Where’s my iPad?”

Amy walked into the living room and looked around. She said, “It's not in here. I haven’t seen it.”

Elizabeth frowned and walked over to the sofa adding, “I left it on the coffee table with my bra.”

“Are you sure?” Amy shrugged.

“Maybe I left it in my briefcase.”  Elizabeth sighed, and headed to the kitchen table adding, “Let’s set up here. I need to run over the edits for Woman of Steel one last time.  Franklin wants to release the e-book and get it submitted for press by the end of the month. He’s pushing me to do some personal appearances. He’s got me scheduled in every major city between here and New York for a slew of book signings the last half of June through the middle of July.”

Amy went to a small hall closet next to the front door and pulled out two laptop cases.  She returned to the table and handed one to Elizabeth. They sat down and began to work.

The little blue mini pulled onto the shoulder of the road as soon as Randy flipped on his red lights. The plates were from Missouri. Obviously, this city slicker didn’t realize the Sherriff drove a white SUV.  The little blonde at the wheel zipped right past him as he sat in the intersection waiting to turn.   Randy pulled up behind her and ran the plate. Elizabeth Stewart. Wasn’t Josh’s author’s name Elizabeth?

He climbed out of the truck and used his best police strut up to her window. He was rewarded as a beautiful blonde with big blue eyes smiled up at him.  His eyes wandered down the length of her. She was petite, slender, and had a nice bust line, not huge but ample.

Amy held her smile, letting him check her out for a bit, then leaned toward the window to allow a clear view of her cleavage and asked, “Hello, officer. Was I speeding?”

Randy forced his eyes from her cleavage and met her gaze.  He flashed a serious look and said, “Yes ma'am. I clocked you at 60 in a 45 zone back at the last intersection.”

“Call me Amy.”  She cooed as she handed him her driver’s license, and added, “Officer Connor.”

He couldn’t help but smile. She was the cutest thing he’d seen in a very long time. He said, “It’s Sheriff Connor.  Randy Connor.”

“Sheriff? Wow, that’s very exciting.”  She oozed with feminine wiles. “I’ve never met a Sheriff before.”

Randy forced back the chuckle that threatened and said, “Well today is your lucky day. Not only have you met a Sheriff, but you’re coming away with a signed souvenir.”

Amy’s smile disappeared. She didn’t appreciate his humor.

Randy’s heart melted, but he held his cold demeanor. “Why don’t you tell me why you are driving Elizabeth Stewart’s car?”

“Oh, Beth is my boss. I was just running to the local market to get some groceries.” Amy answered as her smile returned.

Randy bent over and glanced inside the vehicle. “I see. Are you relocating to this area as well?”

“Yes sir,” Amy watched him closely.  He was tall and handsome.  His eyes were kind, even when he was trying to be tough.

“Make sure to tell Elizabeth to get her registration transferred over as fast as possible.”  Randy’s voice softened as their eyes met.  “I’m going to let you off with a warning this time.”

Amy’s eyes opened wide in surprise, “Oh Sheriff, you are my hero!”

He laughed and added, “Would I sound like a total letch if I asked you to have dinner with me?”

Amy’s voice softened to a purr, as she answered, “Not at all. I’d love to try a local restaurant. Beth is a real homebody, and since I’ve been with her I don’t get out much.  I’ve been here for two weeks, and the only place I’ve gone is that little grocery store in town and the gas station.”

                                                                      ***********

Elizabeth surrendered and pulled up the Apple site on her computer to order another iPad. She found it extremely frustrating. All of her quick notes for new book ideas were on that device. Moreover, her favorite bra had disappeared with it. She could blame Charlie for the bra. She was always snatching and grabbing towels or clothing and stuffing them behind the sofa or under the bed.  However, it was highly unlikely that Charlie grabbed the iPad.  If she had, there would be pieces of it all over the living room.

Amy breezed in the door with an armful of groceries.  She rushed to the kitchen and hastily began putting items away.  She called to Elizabeth, “Beth!  Get changed!  We have a date!  Hurry, hurry, hurry!”

Leaning back in her seat, Elizabeth watched as Amy danced around the kitchen shoving cans onto the shelves and slamming cabinet doors.  “We, Meaning you and I are going out? Or we, meaning a double date?”

Amy stopped and stared at her, throwing her arms up in exasperation saying, “Why do you have to be so literal all of the time? We, meaning the Sheriff, Joshua's best friend. He nearly gave me a ticket on the way home.  We are meeting them at that bar and grill the two of you went to on your first date in they’re probably on their way there now!”

Elizabeth rose slowly and walked to the kitchen.  She asked, “You almost got a ticket, in
my
car?”

“Speaking of cars,” Amy ignored her question.  “Randy, the sheriff, says we won’t get 10 feet this winter in the Mini once the snow starts.  We need a new car.  In fact, I need my own car. Oh, and I completely forgot to tell you; Franklin will be here tomorrow to go over the details of your release and tour. Hurry!  Hurry!  Hurry!  Randy is so hot! His badge makes me quiver.”

“Amy, you are the only woman I know that can not only get out of a ticket, but walk away with a date as well.” She rose and went to help Amy put the rest of the groceries away. Afterward, they rushed upstairs. Beth gave Amy free reign of the main bathroom while she took a quick shower in the half bath off her bedroom. They were dressed and out the door in twenty minutes.

The Sheriff's truck sat out front next to Joshua’s pickup. Elizabeth frowned at Joshua’s truck.

Elizabeth glanced over at Amy. She was perfect. Her golden hair flowed freely around her shoulders. Her makeup was perfect. Her nails were perfect. Her choice of a peasant blouse and dark blue jeans with dangling earrings made her look like she belonged on the big screen, in some steamy drama.  Elizabeth was dressed in a tank top and capris.  They were quite a pair.  Barbie and one of the Bratz dolls go on a date. Elizabeth sighed, forced away the sense that she was too old for this kind of crap and followed Amy into the bar.

Amy floated across the bar toward Joshua and Randy’s table.  Both men rose as they neared.  Elizabeth was pleased that Joshua’s eyes remained on her as they approached.  He gave her a quick kiss and pulled out her chair before turning to say hi to Amy.  Randy was clearly smitten.  He stumbled all over himself, pulling her chair out roughly and rushing to push it in a bit too fast.  Elizabeth suspected he wanted to throw Amy down on the table and have his way with her, but instead managed to smile and say hello.

Elizabeth was looking forward to the night.  Amy was not one to portray a pseudo persona around her, so it would be interesting to see if one emerged in the Sheriff’s presence. It was obvious the Sheriff was on his best behavior.  He sat stiffly upright in his chair, with his hands in his lap, his feet flat on the floor. Why hadn’t she thought of double dating with her free-spirited assistant before?  It was excellent research.

Amy's approach mesmerized Beth. She maintained her normal mannerisms. Amy didn’t alter to adjust to Randy’s tone or character.  The two of them appeared to maintain their individuality while trying to find common interests and goals. Joshua joined in the fray, also maintaining his usual character.  Suddenly, it occurred to Elizabeth: these people were enigmas.  They had to be.  Randy and Amy were not regular. Perhaps Amy was the catalyst.  Everyone has a pseudo personality, everyone except Amy because she was an innocent.  That had to be it. She was just too naive, too untarnished by the world to know any better.

Randy, well he was just a slow starter. Maybe he hadn’t established what his pseudo personality should be with Amy. Just give him time. If they started dating, Elizabeth was sure it would emerge. Just like Joshua’s true self was bound to start sneaking through. Eventually Elizabeth was sure she would begin to see the real Joshua in all his flawed glory. She was glaring at him. She watched Joshua laugh and joke with Randy and tease Amy. She knew he couldn’t be perfect. Deep down inside there was selfishness or immaturity or some terrible habit or secret he’d managed to keep hidden from the world.

Joshua glanced over at Elizabeth, and the smile vanished. He asked quietly, “What’s wrong?”

Elizabeth snapped out of her stupor and forced a smile on her face. “I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought.  It looks like Amy and Randy are hitting it off.”

Joshua frowned at her puzzled, then smiled at her and said, “They sure are.” He turned back to them and announced, “The next round is on me.”

It was past 1am by the time they left the bar. Joshua and Randy walked the girls to their car.  Elizabeth draped her arms around Joshua’s neck as their lips met. His crushed hers with an abandon the misty night air could not cool. Elizabeth leaned against him as his hands ran down the length of her back then wrapped around her. When they finally parted, a quick glance toward Amy found the new couple in a shy embrace. Joshua winked at Elizabeth and opened the car door for her.

He whispered, “Looks like we can plan on more couples nights like this in the future; unless you consider that too bold of a plan for the future?” Elizabeth missed his quip and got in the car.

Randy reluctantly released Amy from their timid goodbye kiss.  Randy wanted more, but the vision of his late wife flashed before his eyes slowing his pace. Amy was also very young.  He leaned in the window after shutting the door behind her.

Resisting the urge to kiss her again, he said, “You want me to follow you girls home?  It’s pretty late.”

Elizabeth smiled and said, “Thanks for the offer, but we don’t have far to go. We’ll be fine.”

The night had grown cloudy and a storm was approaching. Elizabeth opened the moon roof and allowed the cool night air to flow through the car. Amy sank back into the seat and gazed out her window with a dreamy expression.

“So,” Elizabeth began, “It appears the night went well.”

Amy glanced over at Elizabeth and flashed a huge grin. She said, “He’s dreamy. I can’t believe a man in law enforcement can be so kind and sweet.”

“And sexy,” Elizabeth added with a grin.

Amy laughed, “Oh yeah, that Sheriff uniform combined with his big brown eyes created quite a response when he kissed me. I wanted to jump him right there in the parking lot.”

Elizabeth turned off the main road onto a narrow winding road that began the climb up the mountain to their cabin.  She asked, “What is it about the mountains that breed charming men with such huge muscles?”

“And tiny butts!” Amy said, bursting into giggles.

Elizabeth spied the turn off onto their long driveway to the cabin. Suddenly a blur of movement came out of the trees.  She slammed on the brakes as the movement flashed in front of the vehicle.

Amy screamed as the car slid on the damp road heading straight toward the blur, “No!  It’s Charlie!”

Elizabeth’s heart jumped into her throat.  Charlie froze in the middle of the road as the car slid toward her.  She spun the steering wheel to the right sending them onto the shoulder of the road, just barely missing Charlie and a large tree. The girls jumped out of the car and rushed to Charlie, who stood shivering in the middle of the road.

“Charlie!” Elizabeth gasped, as she knelt to embrace her. Amy was instantly next to her hugging both of them. They huddled on the road oblivious to the large raindrops that began to fall.

Elizabeth caught her breath and began to check Charlie, squeezing each leg and running her hands over her head and back. She was uninjured but covered in mud. Elizabeth smiled at her shaken dog and said, “Charlie, what are you doing out here?” She glanced at Amy and asked, “How did she get out?”

Amy shook her head and pulled Elizabeth to her feet. “I locked the front door, I know I did. We better get up there and see what’s going on.” She walked back to the car and opened the door for Charlie. When Charlie was inside, she turned back to Elizabeth adding with a smile, “Should we call the Sheriff?”

Elizabeth laughed and climbed in the car as Amy dashed around to the other side.  “Let’s wait and see.”

When they reached the house they could see the front door was standing wide open. Elizabeth pulled the car up so the headlights were shining at the cabin. They sat in the car staring at the house.  Amy glanced around the yard and toward the barn.

She said, “I don’t see any sign that someone else is here. I’m confident I shut and locked that door. Could the landlord have dropped by to check on you and left the door open?”

Elizabeth pulled her cell phone out of her purse and said grimly, “No, Joshua changed the locks.”

                                                                      ************                                                                     

Joshua just climbed into bed when the phone rang. He saw Elizabeth’s number on the display and quickly answered it. “Beth? Is everything okay?”

Elizabeth answered him calmly, “Josh, I’m really sorry to call you, but when we got home Charlie was out, and the front door is standing open. I’m just a bit concerned about going inside.”

“Don’t go in the house,” Joshua answered quickly climbing out of bed as he spoke. “Stay in the car, lock the doors and if anyone comes out of the house I want you to hightail it back to the bar. I’m on my way. I’m going to call Randy. He lives closer and can get to you quicker.”

“We’re fine, Josh,” Elizabeth answered.

“I’ll call you back in a few minutes,” Josh replied and hung up.

Elizabeth turned to Amy and said, “Josh is calling Randy; he’s closer, but they are both on their way.”

Amy had her back turned to Elizabeth; she was staring out the window toward the stables.  She said, “Can you turn the headlights on the stables, something is moving over there.”